At the launch of the 5k A Day for January Challenge in the Ashe Hotel on Tuesday night were, kneeling; Jenny Boyle, Tommy Commane and Luke Boyle. Back from left; Noel Kelliher, Yvonne Quill, Michelle McGrath, Elma Walsh, Colin ‘Poshey’ Aherne, Eamonn McAuliffe, Breda Dyland and Trish Kelly. Photo by Dermot Crean

THE launch of the 5k a day January challenge for positive mental health took place in The Ashe Hotel on Tuesday night and already over 150 people have registered to take part.

Colin ‘Poshey’ Aherne was present at the hotel with Elma Walsh from the Donal Walsh Livelife Foundation and Breda Dyland of Kerry Cancer Support Group to launch the fundraiser which will benefit the two charities as well as Make A Wish Foundation.

Both ladies have committed to taking part in the challenge which involves being active every day during January.

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“There’s a lot of organisation that goes into it and we’re very appreciative,” said Elma Walsh. “It’s fantastic that so many have registered so far. Hopefully a lot more will sign up before the end of the year, the bellies will be full and they’ll want to get rid of it,” she added.

Breda Dyland was also encouraging people to sign up.

“Not just to raise money from charities, but for the mental and physical well-being. It’s important especially in January to get active and back to fitness. A lot of our service users are using it as an opportunity as we’re starting a walking group for the challenge as part of their recovery.”

Last year, Poshey raised an amazing €5,722 for the Donal Walsh Livelife Foundation and Jigsaw Kerry as he took to the road every day to promote positive mental health.

He is hoping people will make the effort to get active this January for both the body and mind after the excesses of the festive season.

Each day people are asked to do an activity and to donate €1 to the chosen charities. If you complete the 31 days you donate €31 (donating is optional). If you complete the 31 day Challenge and donate €31 you will receive a specially designed medal.

The activity each day can involve a 5k walk/run, cycle/swim for 30 minutes, a yoga or Pilates or fitness class for 1 hour. For more information check out the Facebook page here